Question

Gaseous butane (CH3)(CH2)2(CH3) reacts with gaseous oxygen gas O2 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide CO2 and gaseous water H2O. What is the theoretical yield of carbon dioxide formed from the reaction of 51.2g of butane and 117. of oxygen gas?

Answer 1

Molecular formula of butane is C₄H_{​​​​10}

Combustion of butane is

2​ C₄H_{​​​​10} + 13 O₂ -------------> 8 CO₂ + 10 H₂O

Molar mass of butane= 4×12+10×1 = 58 g/mol

Molar mass of oxygen = 32 g/mol

Limiting reagent is the reactant which reacts completely and limits the amount of product formed.

In the given problem first we need to identify the limiting reagent.